Narcolepsy Market is expected to reach US$ 4,537.9 Million by 2027

Narcolepsy Market: Key Insights

According to our new research study on “Narcolepsy Market Forecast to 2027 – Global Analysis – by Type, Product, Distribution Channel, and Geography,” the global narcolepsy market size is estimated to reach US$ 4,537.9 million by 2027 from US$ 2,026.8 million in 2018; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% during 2019-2027.

The report highlights trends prevailing in the market and factors driving its growth. The narcolepsy market growth is attributed to the rising prevalence of sleep-related neurological disorders and increasing awareness regarding neurological disorders. However, side effects and risks associated with narcolepsy medications are likely to hinder the narcolepsy market growth.

North America held the largest share of the narcolepsy market in 2018 and is expected to witness a similar trend over the forecast period. The US held the largest share in North America. There are five drug treatments approved to treat patients with narcolepsy: Xyrem (sodium oxybate), Provigil (modafinil), Nuvigil (amodafonil), methylphenidate, and amphetamine. These drugs are also approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Pitolisant, an H3R antagonist, and solriamfetol, a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, are the most recently approved treatments for EDS associated with narcolepsy in the European Union (pitolisant) and the US (pitolisant and solriamfetol).

Moreover, the growth in the biopharmaceutical sector across the country is expected to support market growth during the forecast period. This sector has substantial impact on the US economy. In 2015, the biopharmaceutical industry accounted for nearly US$ 1.3 trillion in economic output, which represents 4% of total US output. This includes US$ 558 billion in revenue from biopharmaceutical businesses and US$ 659 billion from suppliers and worker spending. As per the International Trade Administration (ITA), the US is the largest market for biopharmaceuticals and is the world leader in biopharmaceutical R&D. According to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA), companies in the US conduct nearly half the world's R&D in pharmaceuticals, which accounts US$ 75 billion, and have succeeded in the development of new medicine for which they hold the intellectual property rights. For instance, in 2021, SK Biopharmaceuticals received approval for its narcolepsy drug Sunosi (solriamfetol) and the drug was launched in Canada by its global business partner Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Sunosi is an FDA-approved drug to treat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults who have narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. The prescription drug was licensed out to Jazz Pharmaceuticals after Phase 1 clinical trials completed by the Korean drug developer. According to SK Biopharmaceuticals, ~15,000 people are estimated to suffer from narcolepsy in Canada and about 6.4% of its population are known to experience sleep apnea. SK Biopharmaceuticals anticipates more turnover and sales milestones and royalties from the drug with increasing market launches. The drug is distributed in major European countries, including Germany, Denmark, France, and Italy. SK Biopharmaceuticals is a license holder for Sunosi in 12 Asian countries, including South Korea, China, and Japan.

Increasing Awareness Regarding Neurological Disorders Expected to Fuel Narcolepsy Market Growth

The relationship between public health and neurology was not adequately explored until recent years. The burden of neurological disorders has increased significantly across the world. These disorders are estimated to affect over a billion population worldwide, according to the World Health Organization by 2016. Neurological disorders are commonly found among all age groups in all geographic populations. Similarly, sleep-related neurological disorders that comprise a large group of diseases also affect a substantial population worldwide. These diseases majorly include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and others.

However, in recent years, several measures have been undertaken to generate awareness and educate the population regarding these diseases, which is likely to propagate patients from accessing the available medications and treatments for these conditions. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information 2017, clinician and public awareness of various sleep disorders with the intent of increasing rates of recognition and treatment options is the only way to combat such sleep-related disorders.

In case of narcolepsy, the understanding of neurobiology of sleep has progressed substantially over the last several decades, as the involvement of animal models allow deeper understanding of the brain's complexities in relationship to sleep. Several local, national and international institutes, organizations and councils are undertaking measures to promote awareness regarding the disorders and availability of treatments associated with it. For instance, “Wake Up Narcolepsy” is one of the non-profit organization that seeks to raise awareness and bring direction to the search of cure for the diseases so as to support the community.

Narcolepsy Market: Segmental Overview

Type-Based Insights

The global narcolepsy market, based on type, is segmented into narcolepsy with cataplexy, narcolepsy without cataplexy, and secondary narcolepsy.  The narcolepsy with cataplexy segment held the largest share among the type subsegments in the narcolepsy market in 2018 and is also anticipated to witness a similar trend over the forecast period.

Product-Based Insights

The global market, based on product, is segmented into central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, sodium oxybate, and antidepressants. The sodium oxybate segment held the largest market share in 2018.  Several clinical studies have shown that sodium oxybate can reduce feelings of sleepiness as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. With sodium oxybate, people with narcolepsy generally stay awake longer during the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, although they still fall asleep faster than normal. Xyrem (sodium oxybate) Oral Solution is a prescription medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with an orphan disease designation to treat cataplexy (a condition where patients suddenly lose muscle tone, including voluntary muscle control, while awake) and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Distribution Channel-Based Insights

The global narcolepsy market, based on distribution channel, is divided into hospital pharmacies and retail pharmacies. The hospital pharmacies segment led the market for narcolepsy in 2018.

Narcolepsy Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc; Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Graymark Healthcare, Inc.; Novartis AG; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited; Mylan N.V.; BIOPROJET; Shionogi & Co., Ltd.; and Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are among the leading companies in the narcolepsy market. The market share is anticipated to flourish with the development of new innovative products by market players.

• In October 2018, Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc received FDA approval for its supplemental new drug application (sNDA) to revise labeling for Xyrem.
• In June 2016, Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Lundbeck jointly announced  Trintellix (vortioxetine), an oral antidepressant indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, available in the US pharmacies.
• In October 2018, “Shionogi Pharma Co., Ltd. opened its new site in charge of manufacturing functions in the Shionogi group in Japan. 
• In January 2019, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited acquired Shire plc to expand its geographic footprint and lead in Japan and the US.